Mainstreet Cleveland commissioned local artist Charity Armao to paint a mural on a new trash container downtown. The result is a unique new piece of functional art.
The container is located at 220 1st Street, NW across from Taylor Springs Park, it is provided by Waste Connections. Jones Properties is the land/building owner and leases the container.
“Mainstreet Cleveland is always looking for fun and interesting ways to bring art to the downtown area. Trash container murals are a great way to add vibrancy to functional items,” said Sharon Marr, Mainstreet Cleveland executive director.
The artist and creator of the nature design is Charity Armao. Ms. Armao was born and raised in Cleveland and has loved art since she was a child. She is a traditional figurative painter, working mostly in oils, but also loves any chance she gets to wear her muralist hat. She is currently working toward her Bachelor of Fine Arts at Tennessee Tech University with a concentration in painting.
“Art is transformational and adds interest and beauty to everyday objects. Plans are underway to add more locations in the near future,” Ms. Marr said.
Ben Berry, president of Mainstreet Cleveland board of directors, said, “I love how the artist was able to transform something unsightly into an interesting conversation piece. My hope is that this is the first of many more new art installations scattered throughout downtown.”
Waste Connections and Dakota Kissac, District Manager, teamed up with Mainstreet Cleveland to provide a new trash container as a canvas and space for painting at the Waste Connections plant.
Public art is located throughout the downtown area including 3 murals, a statue of Col. Benjamin Cleveland at First Street Square, the Cherokee Chieftain at the Museum Center, the Back Alley Gallery between 1st and 2nd Street, and the alley alcove behind Stamper’s on Broad Street.
For more information about Mainstreet Cleveland and downtown, visit mainstretcleveland.com.